Victoria reinforces its position as Australia’s sporting capital

Victoria’s position as the sporting capital of Australia has been reaffirmed following a series of significant funding announcements that will improve sporting venue infrastructure, “improve the visitor experience and inspire repeat visitation.”

The state’s burgeoning calendar of world class events generates significant economic benefit of circa $1.8b annually. This investment in infrastructure will maintain Victoria’s position and assist to attract new international and national sporting events to our state, across a range of sporting codes, through redeveloped product offerings. The direct correlation between major events and growth in employment, industry and community development also inspires intrastate travel, when events are held in regional locations, “providing valuable returns to local communities.”

An overview of the State Government’s investment includes the following benefits:

Melbourne

The $225m redevelopment of the Etihad Stadium Sports and Entertainment precinct, including improved access for sports played on rectangular fields.

The retention of the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne for the next 40 years. This event assists hoteliers to drive rate premiums during the event period.

The redevelopment of the Great Southern Stand at Melbourne’s iconic MCG, to ensure it retains its rightful place as Australia’s best sporting stadium.

The $64.6m redevelopment of the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parville, reaffirming its status as the premier venue for hockey and netball in Australia.

Confirmation of AFL games to continue to be played in regional Victoria, following confirmation of at least eight Geelong Cats games to be played at Kardinia Park (Geelong), per season, for the next 30 years.

Confirmation of two Western Bulldogs AFL games in Ballarat, per season, for the next decade.

Melbourne Victory to play an A-League game at Simmonds Stadium, Geelong in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Confirmation that the Victorian Open (golf) has been secured at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links in Barwon Heads for the period 2019-2022.

$17.7m funding allocated to the Significant Sports Events Program “that will fund more than 75 national and international sporting events every year,” with more than half occurring in regional Victoria.